Scammers exploit fears over health care bill

In this time of uncertainty over health insurance, grifters are targeting the elderly in a recent scam, County of San Bernardino Department of Aging and Adult Services officials warn.

Scammers, under the guise of being government officials, are contacting seniors either by phone, e-mail or in some cases in person and questioning if they have health insurance, according to a release. If the victim answers they do not, the con-artist threatens to put the senior in jail for not complying with alleged health care policies, officials said.

The scammers then offer the victim to sell them "ObamaCare" insurance to keep the elderly person out of jail.

According to government officials, there is no such policy, nor is there "ObamaCare" coverage.

Under the current national health care bill, the requirement to have health insurance doesn't go into effect until 2014. And even then, those who do not have coverage cannot be jailed, county officials said. Instead, a gradual fine system will kick in.It's unclear how many victims there may be in San Bernardino County or locally. Anyone who feels they may have been victimized is asked to call their local law enforcement station or call Adult Protective Services at (877) 565-2020.

To read warning tips from authorities for potential victims, see the full story in Thursday's Daily Press. To subscribe to the Daily Press in print or online, call (760) 241-7755, 1-800-553-2006 or click here.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela may be reached at (760) 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@VVDailyPress.com.